Membership in AIR

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is continually creating new benefits and value for its membership. The following are just some of the benefits available to AIR members, including ways we can help you save money.

Benefits of Membership

• More exposure online through AIR's Web site (www.airasheville.org). The site serves as a source for news, information and opportunities concerning the local restaurant community. Members of AIR are given space on this site to promote their establishments. This includes a 100-word description, your logo, one photograph and a link to your Web site.
• AIRasheville.org is an extremely active website with many services for the public such as restaurant search by location, type of food, amenities, etc, ongoing and upcoming events, AIR shop... a Job Board for applicants to submit resumes and restaurants to post openings... home page lists restaurant events with links... and more.
• AIR Fare, AIR's eNewsletter to announce upcoming events at restaurants, new menus, food trends, etc.
• AIR members receive discount advertising rates in many top publications and radio.
• Networking available to buy/sell equipment... find needed services... etc.
• More impact in the local political scene by raising awareness of issues directly affecting local independent restaurants.
• Positive publicity for AIR's proactive response to recycling initiative... AIR working toward going "green" at our events.
• More advertising muscle by pooling resources to purchase ads in national and regional media outlets that can normally only be afforded by large chains.
• Dining Out Guide - Every AIR member restaurant is featured in this rack-card sized dining guide with logo, description, photo and locator map. AIR's Dining Out Guide is available at area hotels, B&Bs, resorts, visitor centers, and AIR restaurants throughout the greater Asheville area. Over 30,000 circulation.
• Asheville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center - AIR restaurants who are also members of the Chamber will have an opportunity to be involved in a number of events throughout the year at the chamber's new Visitor Center that opened in January 2006. Visitor's seeking dining information will be directed to AIR's Dining Out Guide and AIR representative at the chamber.
• Main Course Dining Program - is a widely promoted local program geared toward "foodies" and amateur gourmets in our community that value dining out. Participating restaurants benefit from the advertising and promotion of the event as well as the expanded customer base. These "two for one" diners have higher than average guest check totals.
• For a printable pdf.file of member benefits please click here.
  

Membership Requirements

Ypu must be locally owned and operated, not a chain, and open, up and running to be able to become a member.

Membership Dues

$400.00/year.

CLICK to download application or complete online.